Larch (Larix occidentalis) and Arabinogalactan:Anti-Metastatic and Immune Stimulant natural source....

  seminal trace...Arabinogalactan Extract.Larix occidentalis Nutt.western larch.10:1.L-arabinofuranose unit or 3-O-(beta-L-arabinopyranosyl)-alfa-L-arabinofuranosyl units....

   Basic Botanical Data of Larch:

 ;Name: Larch Arabinogalactan
 Botanical Source:Larix occidentalis Nutt.
 Common names:Western Larch,Larch Arabinogalactan,AG.
 Family:Pinaceae -- Pine Family
 Plant Part Used:Bark extract,Pulp.

 Any tree of the genus Larix, conifers of the family Pinaceae ( pine family), which are unusual in that they are not evergreen. The various species are widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. Needles of the larches are mostly borne in characteristic radiating clusters. A western American larch ( L. occidentalis ) achieves a great height, and its lumber is used for interior construction, ties, posts, and cabinetmaking. The American, or black, larch ( L. laricina ), commonly called also tamarack and hackmatack, ranges from the Arctic Circle to cold swamps in more temperate regions of the NE United States and is cultivated elsewhere for its beauty. The wood of this species has been used in shipbuilding and for posts, ties, and poles. The European larch ( L. decidua ) has long been valued for its durable wood and as a source of Venice turpentine. This tree, the Siberian larch ( L. sibirica ) cultivated for ornament. The related golden larch is Pseudolarix amabilis. Larch is classified in the division Pinophyta , class Pinopsida, order Coniferales, family Pinaceae.
 


  Brief Introduction:

 This versatile extract has grown in popularity due to its reported ability to enhance immune function and fight certain diseases. In addition to its medical applications, the FDA has approved arabinogalactan for use as a food emulsifier, stabilizer and sweetener as well as many other uses.

 While the active constituent, arabinogalactan is found in a wide variety of foods including carrots, radishes, pears, corn, wheat, red wine and tomatoes, supplement makers most often derive it from the bark of the larch tree. While there are two sources of the extract:the western larch (Larix occidentalis) and the Mongolian larch (Larix dahurica),most of the larch extract you¡¯ll find at your supplements retailer is produced from the western larch.

 Western larch (Larix occidentalis), a deciduous conifer, is also called tamarack and western tamarack; less commonly used names are hackmatack, mountain larch, and Montana larch (17). It is largest of the larches and is the most important timber species of the genus. Western larch is used for lumber, fine veneer, poles, ties, mine timbers, and pulpwood.

 

 Basic Botanical Data of Larch:
 What is Arabinogalactans and its Botanical Source:
 Arabinogalactan (AG) Larex's flagship:
 Pharmacological Properties of ABG-Arabinogalactan:
 Reported Uses of Larch Extracts:
 Modern Research of ABG:
 FAQ:Frequently Asked Questions of ABG and Immune-booster:
 Arabinogalactan Research Update:


   What is Arabinogalactans and its Botanical Source:

 ABG- Arabinogalactan
 Common Names:Arabinogalactan, Larch Arabinogalactans
 Chemical Names:Arabinogalactan
 Arabinogalactans are an abundant class of cell surface proteoglycans widely distributed in flowering plants.
 Arabinogalactans are proteoglycans (a type of protein and sugar combination) found between cells of most plants.

 They are commonly found in larch and tamarack and are used as soluble fiber. Since the late 1980s, arabinogalactanproteins have attracted widespread attention from plant biologists following reports of their involvement in plant development, including a role in root regeneration and seed germination. Arabinogalactan proteins are readily soluble and possibly play a major role in cell-cell interactions during development.

 Source Naturals Wellness Larch Extract contains arabinogalactans, which are extracted from the Western Larch tree. In vitro studies have shown that arabinogalactans enhance the function of some immune cells.

 Standardization:The most current available medical and scientific literature indicates that this dietary supplement should be standardized to at least 98-percent arabinogalactan.


   Arabinogalactan (AG) Larex's flagship:
 

 Arabinogalactan is a natural polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 20,000 Daltons (by HPLC). Its history of use, molecular structure and solution conformation provide several unique features:

 Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food applications :

 High aqueous solubility (up to 70%) with broad range pH and ion stability
 Lowest viscosity of any commercially available, natural polysaccharide
 Soluble, fermentable fiber with beneficial bioactive impact
 Newtonian rheology, readily biodegradable, mild and non-toxic
 Multifunctional personal care ingredient
 Narrow molecular weight distribution with low polydispersity
 Effective emulsifier, dispersant and rheology control additive for the industrial market.
 Larch Arabinogalactan: A unique, natural Polymer

 

   Pharmacological Properties of ABG-Arabinogalactan:

 strong immunostimulating properties, with anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties, (low to molecular weight polysaccharides 5,000-15,000)

 enhances carbon and other toxins clearance by the macrophages (medium molecular weight polysaccharides 15,000-50,000)

 stimulates the immune function in a non-specific (broad spectrum) manner (high molecular weight polysaccharides 75,000-125,000)

 enhances natural killer cytotoxicity
 prevented tumor cell colonization of the liver in laboratory animals
 may be used as a carrier molecule for hepatocyte directed drug delivery
 broad spectrum defense against bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens
 shows promise in the treatment of HIV and malignant tumors
 as an adjunct to cancer therapy

 increases colonic butyrate and decreases colonic ammonia concentrations, so arabinogalactans may be an preferable form of fiber supplementation

 plays a major role as a modulator of the immune system


   Reported Uses of Larch Extracts:

 500-5,000mg in water or capsule form 2-3 times daily. This product is highly soluble in water and is virtually tasteless.
 Studies have reported that the immune-boosting properties of larch extract can help fight symptoms of the common cold and influenza.
 Researchers suggest that this is probably due to the supplement ability to increase the rate at which the body seeks out and destroys viral invaders.
 What is more, studies indicate that larch extract has promise in the fight against recurrent immune problems like chronic fatigue and viral hepatitis.
 Preliminary studies support the claim that it may have value as a complimentary therapy for children with inner ear infections in children.

 Scientists have discovered that the benefits of larch extract may play a supportive role in the treatment of cancer.

 There is evidence that larch extract can help fight cancers that are triggered by lowered activity of natural killer, or NK, cells. By enhancing the growth of these cells, larch extract may be involved in suppressing cancers that develop when left unchecked by NK cells. A recent study also found that larch extract may be instrumental in preventing the spread of existing cancerous cells to other organs.

 In addition to its disease fighting properties, larch extract also serves as an excellent source of fiber, thereby potentially improving colon health. Additionally, it has been shown to increase the growth of healthy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. This is good news, researchers say, for patients who are suffering from complications associated with the use of prescribed antibiotics.

  Larch (Larix occidentalis):Anti-Metastatic and Immune Stimulant:
 

 Larch is a deciduous conifer that contains an arabinogalactan similar to those found in other "immune-enhancing" herbs such as Echinacea, Baptisia and Turmeric.

 Larch arabinogalactans have been shown to reduce the number of liver metastasis in multiple studies, perhaps by acting as a "reverse lectin" and blocking tumor binding sites. A similar effect has been noted for Modified Citrus Pectin. Larch also nourishes the gut flora and acts as a source of dietary fiber. A summary of the benefits of Larch are:

 stimulates the immune system
 helps prevent cancer metastasis
 improves bowel flora (friendly gut bacteria)
 acts as a source of dietary fiber
 Larch and/or Modified Citrus Pectin should be considered by anyone with cancer to help prevent or delay metastasis.


  Suggestions and How to Use ABG:

 Dosage Info and Range:
 400mg, 1-2 capsules 3-4 times a day.
 Powder: Mix 1/2-2 tablespoonsful in favorite beverage and take up to 3-4 times a day.
 Adjust dosage for children based on body weight.
 Dosage should be taken for 7-10 days for acute problems. For chronic problems with immunity, take on a 3 weeks on, 1 week off schedule.
 Most Common Dosage:400mg, 4 times a day.

 

  Toxicities & Precautions of ABG:

 Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects.
 General:This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines.


  Health Conditions:

 If you have cancer, have had an organ transplant, have a suppressed immune system or any life-threatening or chronic diseases talk to your doctor for advice on taking this dietary supplement.

  Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding:

 To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects related to fetal development during pregnancy or to infants who are breast-fed. Yet little is known about the use of this dietary supplement while pregnant or breast-feeding. Therefore, it is recommended that you inform your healthcare practitioner of any dietary supplements you are using while pregnant or breast-feeding.

  Age Limitations:

 To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician.

 Jarrow Formulas Larix 1000 contains arabinogalactans extracted from the larch tree (Larix occidentalis). Arabinogalactans are densely branched, high molecular weight, water soluble polysaccharides that support healthy immune function, particularly macrophage activity and cytokine defense activity such as interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor, lL-1 and lL-6. Arabinogalactans also promote the growth of the probiotic bacteria Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.


   Modern Research of ABG:

  Mechanism of stimulation of human natural killer cytotoxicity by arabinogalactan from Larix occidentalis.

 Cultures of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as well as cultures of preseparated peripheral non-adherent cells (PNAC) and monocytes showed enhancement of natural killer (NK) cytotoxicity against K562 tumor cells when pretreated with arabinogalactan from Larix occidentalis for 48-72 h. Lack of enhanced responses of PBMC (37% of donors) did not necessarily mean that PNAC and monocyte cultures were also non-responsive to arabinogalactan treatment. Moreover, PBMC, PNAC and monocytes of individual donors could exhibit various responses to arabinogalactan when cultures derived from bleedings after intervals of several months were assayed. Arabinogalactan-mediated enhancement of NK cytotoxicity was not initiated directly but was found to be governed by the cytokine network. Generally, arabinogalactan pretreatment induced an increased release of interferon gamma (IFN gamma), tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and IL-6 but only IFN gamma was involved in enhancement of NK cytotoxicity since cytotoxicity enhancement of PBMC and PNAC but not that of monocytes could be blocked when anti-IFN gamma antibodies were present during pretreatment. The presence of anti-IL-2 antibodies completely blocked NK cytotoxicity enhancement of PBMC and only moderately that of PNAC and monocytes. This blocking effect was also observed when no detectable increase of IL-2 release could be recorded. The receptor specificity of arabinogalactan is not well characterized. Initial information obtained from comparative studies indicated that arabinogalactan presumably interacts with a receptor that showed specificity for a NK-cytotoxicity-enhancing oligo-saccharide from Viscum album extracts since the action of both components was not synergistic but rather competitive.

 Larch arabinogalactan from Larix occidentalis was shown to increase circulating peripheral blood monocytes. Tumor cells pretreated with larch arabinogalactan enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity and phagocytic capacities of macrophages and lymphocytes, and increased release of various cytokines, such as IFN-[gamma], TNF-[alpha], IL-1[beta], and IL-6. Larch arabinogalactans are a class of long, densely branched high-molecular weight polysaccharides (10,000-120,000 daltons). High-grade arabinogalactan extracted form Larix occidentalis is composed of 90-98 percent arabinogalactan, and experimental analysis has determined larch arabinogalactan to be a highly branched molecule of 3,6-beta-D-galactan.There are numerous patents identified in product development using larch arabinogalactan. According to the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) Notice No. GRN 000047 (FDA, Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition, Office of Premarket Approval), functional properties of larch arabinogalactan permit its use as a film-former, foam adhesive, additive, thickener, bulking agent, emulsifier, and as a therapeutic agent. Based on food grade status and numerous studies supporting the safety of larch arabinogalactan, it is considered to be extremely safe with minimum to no toxicity.

 

   FAQ:Frequently Asked Questions of ABG and Immune-booster:

  Does Arabinolactan have benefits?

 A 2004 study done at the University of Minnesota examined supplementation of arabinolactan fiber for six months did not make much of a difference in cholesterol or blood sugar control. However, arabinolactans may have immune stimulating properties. Arabinolactans are found in the plant Andrographis paniculata. Arabinolactans probably have some beneficial effects on fecal microflora.

  Arabinogalactan Summary:

 At this point it is too early to make any recommendations regarding arabinolactan in terms of treatment or prevention of illness. We know so little about the short and long term effects of arbinolactans on the immune system. We also know very little how arabinolactans compare to other immune system influencing herbs, mushrooms, and nutrients such as vitamin C, echinacea, andrographis, beta-lactans, AHCC, cordyceps, and others.

  What is Immune-booster?

 Immune-booster? is the brand name for an extract derived from trees of the Larix genus, including the Western Larch tree (Larix occidentalis) and the Eastern Larch tree (Larix laricina). Eastern Larch tree is commonly known as tamarack. standardized to provide no less than 85% percent arabinogalactan.

  What is arabinogalactan?

 Arabinogalactan is a member of the carbohydrate family. It's a natural polysaccharide that is made up of many galactose and arabinose sugar units linked together in a ratio of 6 galactose units to 1 arabinose unit.


  What plants contain arabinogalactan?

 Arabinogalactan naturally occurs in small amounts in many plants and plant-based foods such as fruits, carrots, radishes, wheat flour and coffee beans. In most plants, it is found within the sturdy walls that surround each plant cell. It may be bound to proteins and other complex molecules in the cell wall. Extracting and isolating the arabinogalactan from plant cell walls requires chemicals and mechanical treatments. These chemicals or processes may alter the arabinogalactan to a certain degree.

  What makes Immune-booster? such a unique source of arabinogalactan?

 The arabinogalactan found in most plants is bound to protein and makes up part of the sturdy cell wall. By contrast, the Immune-booster? source of arabinogalactan is found in the center or the lumen of the cell in a form that is not bound to protein. Using a patent-protected, water-based extraction process, the arabinogalactan can be extracted from the plant cell in its natural state.

  Is Immune-booster? ecologically friendly?

 Yes, Immune-booster? is extracted with water from portions of the larch tree that cannot be used by the lumber industry. The patent-protected, water-based extraction process is completely free of solvents.

  Why was the Larch tree chosen as a source of Immune-booster?

 Trees of the Larix genus offer a commercially sustainable resource for Immune-booster?. In the past, the lumber industry largely ignored the larch tree because the wood was too soft for construction and too full of sticky sugar for paper milling. But as forest resources became depleted and the price of wood increased, loggers began harvesting the larch tree. Only the upper parts of the larch trees were cut because the sugar content is lower in the upper portions. However, the lower parts of the trees were not cut.

 MDidea Group took on the challenge of developing the commercially valuable compounds found in the remaining portion of the larch trees and pioneered the production of arabinogalactan from the unused portions of the trees. According to Larex, the process poses no threat to the environment. In fact, by utilizing the portion of the trees left behind, the process is environmentally friendly through its efficient use of downstream byproducts.


  How does Immune-booster? support immune health?

 The ability of Immune-booster? to support the immune system is attributed to its ability to promote the proliferation or activity of key cells involved in normal immune function. For example, preliminary research involving healthy adults indicates that Immune-booster? increases the proliferation and activity of macrophages and other white blood cells.

  What is the regulatory status of Immune-booster?

 Arabinogalactan from Western and Eastern Larch tree is self-affirmed as GRAS for use in nutritional supplements. This affirmation is based on a report of a panel of experts qualified to evaluate the safety of substances added to food. ImmunEnhancer? also meets the pre-1994 requirements of the Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act (DSHEA), indicating that it may be sold in the United States as a dietary supplement.

  Is Immune-booster? safe?

 As a source of arabinogalactan,Immune-booster? has a strong safety profile. The safety of arabinogalactan is supported by its daily consumption in common fruits and vegetables, its fermentation by bacteria in the human colon and its ability to rapidly signal fecal bacteria enzymes to begin the fermentation process.


  Scientific References:

  1.Larch (Larix occidentalis) and Arabinogalactan:Anti-Metastatic and Immune Stimulant natural source....